Mullendore chosen as new Belding City Manager

Less than three months following former Belding City Manager Randall DeBruine's last day, members of the city council unanimously voted Margaret Mullendore to take the position at a special meeting Thursday.

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By Karin Armbrusterkarin.armbruster@sentinel-standard.com

Ionia Sentinel - Standard-Ionia, MI

By Karin Armbrusterkarin.armbruster@sentinel-standard.com

Posted Mar. 14, 2013 at 9:36 PM
Updated Mar 14, 2013 at 10:38 PM

By Karin Armbrusterkarin.armbruster@sentinel-standard.com

Posted Mar. 14, 2013 at 9:36 PM
Updated Mar 14, 2013 at 10:38 PM

BELDING, Mich.

Less than three months following former Belding City Manager Randall DeBruine's last day, members of the city council unanimously voted Margaret Mullendore to take the position at a special meeting Thursday.

Mullendore was one of two candidates chosen by the Belding City Council to return for a second interview after primary interviews took place March 2. The second candidate, Michael Mitchell, withdrew from the process at 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to Robert Hamilton of the Michigan Municipal League.

During the interview, Mullendore expressed her love for the city and her skills and expertise that make her an excellent fit for the position.

She said she is a skilled communicator with an open door policy, is skilled in public and private business relations, is visible and active in the community, has an excellent work ethic and is skilled in management. Mullendore added she will bring a team effort to the city.

“Frankly, I have the experience you want,” said Mullendore.

She said she believes honesty is the best policy and is an expert in planning, comprehending legislation and giving guidance. She added she also has successfully written grant applications ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, has a successful track record of economic development, understands engineering plans and has labor relations experience.

“I’m committed to Belding, to its success. I’m invested in the future here. I’m invested in the outcome,” Mullendore added.

When asked of her greatest weakness, she replied she believes she can get lost in a project because of her overachieving attitude, but her children motivate her to work on the problem.

Following the interview, council members discussed their views on Mullendore and how she would handle the position of city manager. Many stated they liked her honesty, her ability to bring a lot to the table and how she is not afraid to address negative situations.

Belding Mayor Protem Andrea Belding said she has some reservations about Mullendore’s personal financial background. She added terms of the contract, if Mullendore is hired, would have to be defined.

In citizen comments, community members said they were impressed with Mullendore and added they believe she has a passion for the city that would fit well in the position.

Belding Mayor Ron Gunderson made a motion to proceed with contract negotiations and vetting with Mullendore, and the motion was approved with none opposed. Mullendore will begin in the position after a physical evaluation and drug screening is complete.